An Excerpt from Young Falcon

(From "Wolves")

I glanced back at the wolves once I had confirmed that there was no way of escape. All seven were gathered around me in a threatening semicircle. The smallest, the reddish-black one, growled something uneasily, but the black wolf cut him off with a vicious snarl. The smaller dog shrank back, but he still looked on with disapproval. The black dog was at the head; it was clear he was the leader. My hand closed around the dagger at my belt. I had left my sword behind where I had stopped to rest. I had no idea what good it would do against such a huge monster, but it comforted me to have my hand around it. My heart pounded like a drum as the black wolf advanced slowly, his yellow eyes boring into mine hotly. I can’t do this! I can’t! Nowhere to hide, nowhere to run … How am I going to survive this? I took a deep, steadying breath, keeping my eyes firmly on his.

Two of the wolves, the ones to my far right, were glancing nervously at the rocks to their left, looking anxious and tense. One of them was the smaller, red dog. The black wolf, sensing this, turned his head and growled a snapping warning at them. He bared his bloody teeth and narrowed his burning yellow eyes.

Frantic, I turned and looked up at the rocks behind me and saw a ledge a little ways up that I had failed to see earlier. Several jagged spurts of rock which protruded from the wall allowed me to scramble quickly up to the ledge, panting with fright. I scooted as far as possible against the back of the shelf, almost hyperventilating with panic. I was about six or seven feet above the black wolf’s huge head and, therefore, over twenty feet above the ground, and it frightened me.

I did not particularly like heights, and being only a few feet above the heads of a pack of monstrous wolves intent on killing me, I felt even more anxious and light-headed. The thought of what those giant, blood-stained teeth and claws could do to me raced through my head, and I slumped against the stone wall behind me, weakened with fear.

The black dog whipped his head around and glared at the spot I had been standing only moments before and then stiffened in rage to see that I was gone.

I shifted slightly, trying to get farther out of sight. A tiny sound made by my boots against the rock, however, caused the wolf’s ears to swivel in my direction, and his crazed gaze found the ledge I was cowering against an instant later. Snarling, he crouched and lashed his tail angrily. Sensing he was about to leap, I tried to move back, but found myself unable to go any farther. Nevertheless, unless he was an extraordinarily good jumper, I would be safe from his reach.

He came flying towards me a second later, claws outstretched, and landed on the rock in front of me, a triumphant gleam in his demented eyes. I could not even feel a vibration from his giant paws when they landed. I screamed involuntarily as he bared his teeth at me, looking utterly demonic.

Heat began pulsing through my head, and black dots swam over my vision. I could not move or even think, so terrified was I at what could happen next. The black wolf bared his teeth again in a feral snarl and took several steps towards me, extremely agile and at ease, even with his massive bulk. I was covered entirely in his shadow. His hot breath blew over me, and the stench was overwhelming. I resisted the urge to gag, but my bile rose, and I struggled to breathe through my mouth.

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Young Falcon Reviews

'A brilliant story, a wonderful escape, a vibrant world that draws you in and invites you to stay. Rarely does a writer create characters with such insight into their soul.' — Jayson Hammett, Curriculum Professional

'Very rarely will I read a book that will emotionally connect me with the characters. Young Falcon is a must-read for any fantasy fan looking for a fresh, new story.' - T. Clark

'I loved Elizabeth's book [because] her characters are fabulous. [An] important thing is that the characters come alive, and her characters really do come alive. Five stars!' - Marta Stahlfeld, author of Darkwoods, Pasadagavra, &Graystone

'I was captivated by this book and I look forward to the next one of the series. I am sharing it with all my coworkers at my job and they love it as much as I do. It takes you to "another world!" - Rae Anne Sloan

'My 10th grade daughter is not a reader by nature but since the author was her same age, decided to give the book a try. Unexpectedly, my daughter LOVES the book and can't put it away at night. She's very excited for the next book to come out, and I love that she's reading an extra book outside of school. The young author has amazing talent!' - Sarah

'I was completely absorbed by this complex story. The author has done a wonderful job at building the fantasy world. Well-written, engaging characters in a tightly constructed fantasy world.' - Tere Hager

'Honestly, I did not expect to be so consumed by the story. I could not put it down. The characters drew me in and I wish the sequel were already out. I wished the end had had a bit more of a conclusion, so I was not left hanging, but I will definitely have to read the sequel' - Beth

'Ms. McKinney’s characters are without doubt my favorite part of the story. All of them have a great knack for arousing your curiosity; she tells you just enough to make you want more. They keep you on your toes wondering about what they will do next. Her setting was described in such detail that it is easy to imagine that she might have actually been to the places she writes about. All in all, Young Falcon was a great ride.' - Natalie B.

'Young Falcon is a wonderful read ... [Elizabeth] is a truly gifted and talented writer. It was no surprise to me that [she] wrote such a brilliant, suspenseful, and thought-provoking book. I introduced this novel to my book club, and they loved it! They are extremely excited for the sequel.' - Danielle McGhee

'I do not read. Ever. I cannot stand it. But ever since I started Young Falcon, I can't put it down! It's so captivating! I feel like I am actually in the story myself and I have loved every single page so far! [Elizabeth] has done an amazing job.' - Erin Atchley, age 19

'I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters were multi-dimensional, and the plot furthered their development. I felt like I was getting to know real people, albeit in a very different setting, and I want to know what happens to them next! Can't wait for the next book in this series.' - Brooke H., PhD